Captivate vs Spreaker
A side-by-side look at Captivate and Spreaker for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
At a glance
| Captivate | Spreaker | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $17/mo | $20/mo |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | No |
| Best for | Growth-focused podcasters and small agencies who need multi-show hosting, monetization tools, and analytics without paying per show | Podcasters who want hosting with a path to iHeartMedia's advertising network |
| Founded | 2013 | 2010 |
Key features
Captivate
- Unlimited podcast hosting across multiple shows
- IAB-certified analytics included on all plans
- Built-in monetization: memberships, tips, exclusive content
- Guest booking and interview management tools
- Transcription and dynamic show notes via Captivate Assistant
- Private and members-only podcast support
- Podcasting 2.0 support
- Video podcast publishing to Apple Podcasts
Spreaker
- Web-based recording and production via Spreaker Create
- Distribution to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and major directories
- iHeartMedia Prime Network monetization partnerships
- Episode storage, bandwidth management, and scheduling
- Podcast library management across categories
- Embeddable player for external sites
Pros and cons
Captivate
Pros
- IAB analytics included on every plan, not gated behind premium tiers
- 30-day free trial - longer than most competitors
- Built-in monetization tools without needing third-party add-ons
Cons
- Interface is functional but less polished than some competitors
- Some advanced features feel underdeveloped relative to their billing
- No free permanent tier
Spreaker
Pros
- Backed by iHeartMedia - real advertising network access for qualifying shows
- Free tier available for getting started
- Web-based recording tool requires no software download
Cons
- Pricing and plan structure are not transparently marketed or easy to find
- Analytics and UX lag behind modern competitors
- iHeart partnership only adds value once your show reaches meaningful scale
The verdict
Choose Captivate if
Growth-focused podcasters and small agencies who need multi-show hosting, monetization tools, and analytics without paying per show.
Captivate earns points for including IAB-certified analytics on every plan - not just premium tiers - and for building monetization tools directly into the platform rather than routing you to third-party integrations. The 30-day free trial is genuinely long compared…
Choose Spreaker if
Podcasters who want hosting with a path to iHeartMedia's advertising network.
Spreaker's main differentiator is its parent company - iHeartMedia's reach into brand advertising is real and can be valuable for shows with meaningful audiences. The Spreaker Create web tool makes it accessible to beginners who do not want to install…